Dr. Edward Peters, a Vatican canon law adviser, says that Governor Andrew Cuomo has committed an “objectively sacreligious” act that “produces grave scandal” by receiving communion.
-- From "Vatican Canon Law Adviser: NY Governor Andrew Cuomo Should Be Denied Communion" by Michael W. Chapman, CNSNews.com 2/21/11
Peters specifically cited Cuomo's cohabiting with Food Network hostess Sandra Lee as "publicly acting in violation of a fundamental moral expectation of the Church," and that "as long as he persists in such conduct, he should refrain from taking holy Communion" and "if he approaches for holy Communion, he should be denied the august sacrament in accord with Canon 915."
[Recently, Gov.] Cuomo, as the Daily News reported, “the divorced son of former Gov. Mario Cuomo, who was once chastised by Catholic leaders for his support of abortion rights, calmly received Holy Communion. Lee walked in line for Communion with him.”
Writing about the Cuomo-Lee relationship on his canon lawyer’s blog on Jan. 4, Dr. Peters wrote, “Andrew Cuomo, governor of New York, and Sandra Lee, a television celebrity, live in what is known technically as public concubinage. The fact that both Cuomo and Lee are divorced renders the concubinage adulterous on both sides as well.”
In his Plan for Action, Cuomo calls for putting same-sex marriage on the same legal ground as heterosexual marriage. He also defends abortion and calls for its expansion under the Reproductive Rights Act.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Allah Worshiped in Virginia Methodist Church
Well-intentioned, but naïvely ignorant leaders of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA house Muslim worshipers within their church, even as Islamic clerics at the White House call all Muslims to 'rise up and establish Islamic state in America.'
-- From "Churches Open Doors to Muslim Worship" by Lauren Green, FoxNews.com 2/18/11
Diane Bechtol of Aldersgate says this is something Christians are called to do: Be neighborly and develop relationships - even those who don't share your beliefs.
But Dr. Alex McFarland, a Christian theologian and radio talk show host, charged these churches “have crossed the line from respect and tolerance, to ... affirmation and endorsement.
"We as the church are called to show love, we're called to help. But to let a building simultaneously be used for the activities of a mosque and also the activities of Jesus Christ, it's just incompatible. And I think it's one more example of political correctness and hyper-tolerance gone awry."
Mohamed Elsanousi adamantly disagrees, saying it’s good for the country to know churches like these are extending a hand to Muslims.
Elsanousi says there are many churches and even synagogues in America where Muslims share space with Christians. “We feel good about it,” he says.
Mosque construction is at an all-time high. As of September, there were 1,897 mosques in the United States, a 57 percent increase since 2000.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Methodist church to study Islam's Qur'an holy book" by Joan Rusek, Sun News (Cleveland) 2/9/11
Mayfield United Methodist Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester, is holding a four-part class to examine the book’s themes, structure, depiction of women, leadership, war and Christian scriptures.
They will be led by Zeki Saritoprak, who holds the Nursi chair in Islamic Studies at John Carroll University.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Extremist cleric to lead White House protest calling for Muslims to 'rise up and establish Islamic state in America'" by UK Daily Mail Reporter 2/20/11
British extremist Anjem Choudary - who once said 'the flag of Islam will fly over the White House' - has announced he will lead a demonstration [on March 3rd] calling on Muslims to establish the Sharia law across America.
The former leader of outlawed group Islam4UK told the Daily Star 'we expect thousands to come out and support us.'
Mr Choudary said the March rally was organised by the Islamic Thinkers society, an extremist group based in New York.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 2/25/11 (regarding article below): Afghan convert to Christianity facing death penalty for apostasy freed, but others remain in prison . . .
From "America Quiet on the Execution of Afghan Christian Said Musa" by Paul Marshall, National Review Online 2/18/11
A terrible drama is unfolding in Afghanistan: There are reports that Said Musa, whose situation I described at Christmas, will soon be executed for the ‘crime’ of choosing to become a Christian.
Musa was one of about 25 Christians arrested on May 31, 2010, after a May 27 Noorin TV program showed video of a worship service held by indigenous Afghan Christians; he was arrested as he attempted to seek asylum at the German embassy. He converted to Christianity eight years ago, is the father of six young children, had a leg amputated after he stepped on a landmine while serving in the Afghan Army, and now has a prosthetic leg. His oldest child is eight and one is disabled (she cannot speak). He worked for the Red Cross/Red Crescent as an adviser to other amputees.
He was forced to appear before a judge without any legal counsel and without knowledge of the charges against him. “Nobody [wanted to be my] defender before the court. When I said ‘I am a Christian man,’ he [a potential lawyer] immediately spat on me and abused me and mocked me. . . . I am alone between 400 [people with] terrible values in the jail, like a sheep.” He has been beaten, mocked, and subjected to sleep deprivation and sexual abuse while in prison. No Afghan lawyer will defend him and authorities denied him access to a foreign lawyer.
Newspapers in the U.K. and elsewhere in Europe have reported the story, but with, the exception of the Wall Street Journal and, of course, NRO, American outlets have not found it worthy of attention.
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Liberal 'christians' Praise Allah
Allah Worshiped in Memphis Church
Seattle Church Embraces Muslims, doesn't Proselytize
Liberal 'Churches' Continue to Wither
Methodists Wonder Why Members Leave in Droves
Methodist Seminary Trains Pluralistic Clergy
Methodists Team Up with Atheists for Bible Study
UPDATE 5/5/11: Daily Show (comedy) parody of Satan
-- From "Churches Open Doors to Muslim Worship" by Lauren Green, FoxNews.com 2/18/11
Diane Bechtol of Aldersgate says this is something Christians are called to do: Be neighborly and develop relationships - even those who don't share your beliefs.
But Dr. Alex McFarland, a Christian theologian and radio talk show host, charged these churches “have crossed the line from respect and tolerance, to ... affirmation and endorsement.
"We as the church are called to show love, we're called to help. But to let a building simultaneously be used for the activities of a mosque and also the activities of Jesus Christ, it's just incompatible. And I think it's one more example of political correctness and hyper-tolerance gone awry."
Mohamed Elsanousi adamantly disagrees, saying it’s good for the country to know churches like these are extending a hand to Muslims.
Elsanousi says there are many churches and even synagogues in America where Muslims share space with Christians. “We feel good about it,” he says.
Mosque construction is at an all-time high. As of September, there were 1,897 mosques in the United States, a 57 percent increase since 2000.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Methodist church to study Islam's Qur'an holy book" by Joan Rusek, Sun News (Cleveland) 2/9/11
Mayfield United Methodist Church, 7747 Mayfield Road, Chester, is holding a four-part class to examine the book’s themes, structure, depiction of women, leadership, war and Christian scriptures.
They will be led by Zeki Saritoprak, who holds the Nursi chair in Islamic Studies at John Carroll University.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Extremist cleric to lead White House protest calling for Muslims to 'rise up and establish Islamic state in America'" by UK Daily Mail Reporter 2/20/11
British extremist Anjem Choudary - who once said 'the flag of Islam will fly over the White House' - has announced he will lead a demonstration [on March 3rd] calling on Muslims to establish the Sharia law across America.
The former leader of outlawed group Islam4UK told the Daily Star 'we expect thousands to come out and support us.'
Mr Choudary said the March rally was organised by the Islamic Thinkers society, an extremist group based in New York.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 2/25/11 (regarding article below): Afghan convert to Christianity facing death penalty for apostasy freed, but others remain in prison . . .
From "America Quiet on the Execution of Afghan Christian Said Musa" by Paul Marshall, National Review Online 2/18/11
A terrible drama is unfolding in Afghanistan: There are reports that Said Musa, whose situation I described at Christmas, will soon be executed for the ‘crime’ of choosing to become a Christian.
Musa was one of about 25 Christians arrested on May 31, 2010, after a May 27 Noorin TV program showed video of a worship service held by indigenous Afghan Christians; he was arrested as he attempted to seek asylum at the German embassy. He converted to Christianity eight years ago, is the father of six young children, had a leg amputated after he stepped on a landmine while serving in the Afghan Army, and now has a prosthetic leg. His oldest child is eight and one is disabled (she cannot speak). He worked for the Red Cross/Red Crescent as an adviser to other amputees.
He was forced to appear before a judge without any legal counsel and without knowledge of the charges against him. “Nobody [wanted to be my] defender before the court. When I said ‘I am a Christian man,’ he [a potential lawyer] immediately spat on me and abused me and mocked me. . . . I am alone between 400 [people with] terrible values in the jail, like a sheep.” He has been beaten, mocked, and subjected to sleep deprivation and sexual abuse while in prison. No Afghan lawyer will defend him and authorities denied him access to a foreign lawyer.
Newspapers in the U.K. and elsewhere in Europe have reported the story, but with, the exception of the Wall Street Journal and, of course, NRO, American outlets have not found it worthy of attention.
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Liberal 'christians' Praise Allah
Allah Worshiped in Memphis Church
Seattle Church Embraces Muslims, doesn't Proselytize
Liberal 'Churches' Continue to Wither
Methodists Wonder Why Members Leave in Droves
Methodist Seminary Trains Pluralistic Clergy
Methodists Team Up with Atheists for Bible Study
UPDATE 5/5/11: Daily Show (comedy) parody of Satan
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Society Without Procreation: Germany Reacts
Faced with one of Europe's lowest birth rates, Germans are wondering if they will cease to exist (replaced by a growing Muslim citizenry), and so they desperately search for answers (in all the wrong places).
UPDATE 1/16/16: Low European Birthrate Leads to Muslim Transformation
Related article: Study Gives Hope to Industrialized Nations Facing Population Declines
-- From "Fewer Germans consider children essential part of life" posted at The Local (Germany) 2/17/11
More Germans are deciding children are not necessary to having a fulfilling life, according to a survey published this week.
“Having children is no longer a matter of course in Germany,” said Eltern editor Marie-Luise Lewicki.
About 81 percent of survey participants believed society values professional success over family, while 79 percent said daily life brings enough stress without children.
Meanwhile, 74 percent were unwilling to modify their lifestyle for the sake of having children, while 47 percent believed the future is too uncertain to have children now.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Better child care may be key to boosting Germany's birth rate" by Karin Jäger, Deutsche Welle 2/14/11
. . . Women say there needs to be better childcare before they have kids.
77 percent of those asked said that they didn't think they could combine their job with family life. 61 percent said that there wasn't enough reliable child care available.
[Maike Krasensky, a 38-year-old single mother] would like the government to create more kindergarten places and also give single parents tax breaks, so that it's easier for mums to combine a career with their family.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Germany wrestles with female quota in boardrooms" by Aurelia End, AFP 2/5/11
The remarkable lack of woman executives in Europe's biggest economy has sparked a groundswell of protest, with leading news magazine Der Spiegel calling in its current issue for a female quota to redress the imbalance.
"Quotas should be a first-aid measure for a society that has held on to rigid ideas of gender roles for too long," it wrote in an 11-page cover story entitled "Why Germany Needs A Woman Quota - A Manifesto".
Critics say Germany's resistance to women executives is rooted in a lack of affordable child care but also in cultural factors.
Professor Barbara Vinken of the University of Munich, a leading commentator on women's affairs, says that German women are confronted with more restrictive expectations . . . "German women have internalised the notion that the feminine ideal is a housewife or at most a part-time employee," she told AFP.
"No woman (with a partner) is forced to take care of her kids alone."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Sex on the Rise, Procreation in Decline, as well as Multiculturalism Destroys Free Society, Cultures Terrorists
UPDATE 1/16/16: Low European Birthrate Leads to Muslim Transformation
Related article: Study Gives Hope to Industrialized Nations Facing Population Declines
-- From "Fewer Germans consider children essential part of life" posted at The Local (Germany) 2/17/11
More Germans are deciding children are not necessary to having a fulfilling life, according to a survey published this week.
“Having children is no longer a matter of course in Germany,” said Eltern editor Marie-Luise Lewicki.
About 81 percent of survey participants believed society values professional success over family, while 79 percent said daily life brings enough stress without children.
Meanwhile, 74 percent were unwilling to modify their lifestyle for the sake of having children, while 47 percent believed the future is too uncertain to have children now.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Better child care may be key to boosting Germany's birth rate" by Karin Jäger, Deutsche Welle 2/14/11
. . . Women say there needs to be better childcare before they have kids.
77 percent of those asked said that they didn't think they could combine their job with family life. 61 percent said that there wasn't enough reliable child care available.
[Maike Krasensky, a 38-year-old single mother] would like the government to create more kindergarten places and also give single parents tax breaks, so that it's easier for mums to combine a career with their family.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Germany wrestles with female quota in boardrooms" by Aurelia End, AFP 2/5/11
The remarkable lack of woman executives in Europe's biggest economy has sparked a groundswell of protest, with leading news magazine Der Spiegel calling in its current issue for a female quota to redress the imbalance.
"Quotas should be a first-aid measure for a society that has held on to rigid ideas of gender roles for too long," it wrote in an 11-page cover story entitled "Why Germany Needs A Woman Quota - A Manifesto".
Critics say Germany's resistance to women executives is rooted in a lack of affordable child care but also in cultural factors.
Professor Barbara Vinken of the University of Munich, a leading commentator on women's affairs, says that German women are confronted with more restrictive expectations . . . "German women have internalised the notion that the feminine ideal is a housewife or at most a part-time employee," she told AFP.
"No woman (with a partner) is forced to take care of her kids alone."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read Sex on the Rise, Procreation in Decline, as well as Multiculturalism Destroys Free Society, Cultures Terrorists
Liberal 'Christians' Offer Harbor for Wis. Fugitives
Congruent with the religious left's social gospel theology, liberal church leaders want to provide safe hide outs for the missing Wisconsin state senators from pursuit by law enforcement.
-- From "Religious leaders offer sanctuary to Wis. Dems boycotting union bill vote" by The Associated Press 2/18/11
Religious leaders in Illinois and Wisconsin are offering sanctuary to Wisconsin Democrats as they boycott a vote on a Republican bill that would strictly curtail public workers of nearly all their collective bargaining rights.
A group of Catholic, Jewish and Protestant leaders say they're on board with the minority Democrats in the state Senate. The entire caucus fled the state Capitol on Wednesday to avoid voting on the bill.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Cops now pursuing missing Wisconsin Dems, senator alleges" by Greg Sargent, Washington Post 2/18/11
Wisconsin state police have visited the home of at least one of the missing Wisconsin state senators in an apparent effort to force him to return to the capitol to vote on the proposal to roll back public employees' bargaining rights, a Democratic senator alleged to me in an interview.
State Senator Chris Larson, one of the Democrats who is remaining in Illinois to stall the vote on Governor Scott Walker's measure, tells me that another Dem Senator -- who he declined to name -- returned home late yesterday to try to get some sleep. That Senator's staff reported to Larson that police visited his home, but that the Senator had managed to slip away before cops could apprehend him.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Illinois clergy offer ‘sanctuary’ to Wisconsin Senators in exile" posted at Milwaukee Small Business Times, 2/18/11
An interfaith group of Catholic, Protestant and Jewish clergy from Illinois and Wisconsin is offering “sanctuary” to the 14 Wisconsin Democratic Senators who left Madison State to avoid being compelled to vote on Gov. Scott Walker’s budget repair bill.
Some Illinois religious leaders are offering to allow the Wisconsin Senate Democrats to stay in their homes or in their churches so they can stay out of Wisconsin for an extended period of time and block a vote on the budget repair bill, said Kristin Ford, spokeswoman for Faith in Public Life.
“For these brave Senators who are seeking shelter from the storm, I say we welcome you and we offer you sanctuary and hospitality in the Christian tradition,” said the Rev. Jason Coulter, pastor of Ravenswood United Church of Christ in Chicago.
Some clergy say the debate about workers’ rights is rooted deeply in faith traditions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Religious leaders offer sanctuary to Wis. Dems boycotting union bill vote" by The Associated Press 2/18/11
Religious leaders in Illinois and Wisconsin are offering sanctuary to Wisconsin Democrats as they boycott a vote on a Republican bill that would strictly curtail public workers of nearly all their collective bargaining rights.
A group of Catholic, Jewish and Protestant leaders say they're on board with the minority Democrats in the state Senate. The entire caucus fled the state Capitol on Wednesday to avoid voting on the bill.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Cops now pursuing missing Wisconsin Dems, senator alleges" by Greg Sargent, Washington Post 2/18/11
Wisconsin state police have visited the home of at least one of the missing Wisconsin state senators in an apparent effort to force him to return to the capitol to vote on the proposal to roll back public employees' bargaining rights, a Democratic senator alleged to me in an interview.
State Senator Chris Larson, one of the Democrats who is remaining in Illinois to stall the vote on Governor Scott Walker's measure, tells me that another Dem Senator -- who he declined to name -- returned home late yesterday to try to get some sleep. That Senator's staff reported to Larson that police visited his home, but that the Senator had managed to slip away before cops could apprehend him.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Illinois clergy offer ‘sanctuary’ to Wisconsin Senators in exile" posted at Milwaukee Small Business Times, 2/18/11
An interfaith group of Catholic, Protestant and Jewish clergy from Illinois and Wisconsin is offering “sanctuary” to the 14 Wisconsin Democratic Senators who left Madison State to avoid being compelled to vote on Gov. Scott Walker’s budget repair bill.
Some Illinois religious leaders are offering to allow the Wisconsin Senate Democrats to stay in their homes or in their churches so they can stay out of Wisconsin for an extended period of time and block a vote on the budget repair bill, said Kristin Ford, spokeswoman for Faith in Public Life.
“For these brave Senators who are seeking shelter from the storm, I say we welcome you and we offer you sanctuary and hospitality in the Christian tradition,” said the Rev. Jason Coulter, pastor of Ravenswood United Church of Christ in Chicago.
Some clergy say the debate about workers’ rights is rooted deeply in faith traditions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Texas Sonogram Abortion Legislation Passes Senate
The legislation requires that doctors must perform a sonogram at least two hours before an abortion and has additional language instructing doctors to describe the sonogram and details of the baby to the mother. SB 16 passed by a vote of 21- 10 with 18 Republican legislators voting for the bill.
UPDATE 5/11/11: Abortions Restricted via Texas Sonogram Law
-- From "Texas Senate Republicans Pass Sonogram Bill" by Texas GOP Vote 2/19/11
The Sonogram bill now moves on to the Texas House of Representatives where our Republican super-majority is expected to approve the measure with little delay.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Texas Senate panel OKs abortion sonogram bill" by Joe Holley and Bobby Cervantes, Austin Bureau, The Houston Chronicle 2/10/11
The Senate passed bills in 2007 and 2009 that included sonogram provisions, but those efforts died in the House.
"This is an issue about empowering women," said [state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston], an outspoken abortion opponent. "What this bill does is remove the barrier that is placed in front of women now from getting information they're entitled to."
Opponents of Patrick's bill, including a Planned Parenthood physician and other doctors, told committee members the bill is an unwarranted legislative intrusion into the doctor-patient relationship. They also said it is a potential waste of resources if the patient already had a sonogram performed by her primary care physician.
Patrick . . . said a former Planned Parenthood employee told him that women were discouraged from seeing their sonograms.
Patrick's bill seeks to build on the Woman's Right to Know Act, approved in 2003, that requires doctors to inform women considering abortion about a range of options before going through with the procedure.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Texas Senate approves abortion sonogram bill" by Peggy Fikac, Austin Bureau, The Houston Chronicle 2/18/11
The bill was declared an emergency measure by Gov. Rick Perry, allowing for its quick consideration. Perry praised the Senate approval and said he looks forward to speedy House action.
"We know that when someone has all the information, the decision to choose life becomes clear," Perry said.
Sen. Bob Deuell, R-Greenville, a doctor, said . . . an abortion is the only medical procedure with the object to kill a human being.
"Can we not at least give the baby at least one more chance for survival by giving that mother that information?" he asked.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 5/11/11: Abortions Restricted via Texas Sonogram Law
-- From "Texas Senate Republicans Pass Sonogram Bill" by Texas GOP Vote 2/19/11
The Sonogram bill now moves on to the Texas House of Representatives where our Republican super-majority is expected to approve the measure with little delay.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Texas Senate panel OKs abortion sonogram bill" by Joe Holley and Bobby Cervantes, Austin Bureau, The Houston Chronicle 2/10/11
The Senate passed bills in 2007 and 2009 that included sonogram provisions, but those efforts died in the House.
"This is an issue about empowering women," said [state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston], an outspoken abortion opponent. "What this bill does is remove the barrier that is placed in front of women now from getting information they're entitled to."
Opponents of Patrick's bill, including a Planned Parenthood physician and other doctors, told committee members the bill is an unwarranted legislative intrusion into the doctor-patient relationship. They also said it is a potential waste of resources if the patient already had a sonogram performed by her primary care physician.
Patrick . . . said a former Planned Parenthood employee told him that women were discouraged from seeing their sonograms.
Patrick's bill seeks to build on the Woman's Right to Know Act, approved in 2003, that requires doctors to inform women considering abortion about a range of options before going through with the procedure.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Texas Senate approves abortion sonogram bill" by Peggy Fikac, Austin Bureau, The Houston Chronicle 2/18/11
The bill was declared an emergency measure by Gov. Rick Perry, allowing for its quick consideration. Perry praised the Senate approval and said he looks forward to speedy House action.
"We know that when someone has all the information, the decision to choose life becomes clear," Perry said.
Sen. Bob Deuell, R-Greenville, a doctor, said . . . an abortion is the only medical procedure with the object to kill a human being.
"Can we not at least give the baby at least one more chance for survival by giving that mother that information?" he asked.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Gay 'Clergy' in Withering Presbyterian PCUSA
[Pastors say that most] Presbyterian churches have been seeing more funerals than infant baptisms, that internal disputes over such issues as homosexual ordination have been paralyzing their ministry, and that the only unity they seem to have left "is contained in the property clause and the pension plan."
UPDATE 5/10/11: Presbyterians Vote Yea on Gay 'Clergy'
UPDATE 3/1/11: Judicial commission acquits 'married' homosexual 'pastor' who dismisses Bible
-- From "Majority of local Presbytery supports homosexual clergy" by Chad Dally, Wausau Daily Herald, 2/13/11
A majority of central Wisconsin Presbyterian leaders believe homosexuals should be allowed to serve as pastors, deacons and elders, according to a Saturday vote.
The Presbytery's approval -- which came on a show of hands among the more than 50 leaders present -- marked the 28th vote among more than 170 Presbyteries nationwide in favor of opening up the ordination process to gays and lesbians. Twenty-five Presbyteries have voted against, and a majority of more than 170 U.S. Presbyteries must vote in favor for the change to take effect.
Tom Willadsen, pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Oshkosh, also supported the change, and said he was "bored and weary" after debating the issue for more than a decade. He also said the Presbyterian Book of Order that guides the church lists so many sins, including "stubbornness," that few people would be able to serve if strictly followed.
But the Rev. Richard Marcy from Faith Presbyterian Church in Crivitz, Marinette County, said he was opposed to changing the ordination process because it "does not solve the issue of homosexuality in the church" and whether the church considers homosexuality a sin. He also said the amendment change does not provide for "graceful separation" away from the Presbytery without repercussions for any churches that might object to homosexual clergy.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Church body approves ordaining gays, lesbians" by David Yonke, Toledo Blade Religion Editor 2/16/11
The [Bowling Green, Ohio] regional body of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted 67-39 Tuesday in favor of ordaining openly gay or lesbian pastors, but the proposed amendment must be approved by a majority of the nation's 173 presbyteries to take effect.
[In 2009, a similar] amendment was defeated nationally with 95 presbyteries voting against it and 78 in favor.
Pam Byers, executive director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, said Tuesday that, of the 67 presbyteries that have voted on the amendment thus far, 37 have approved it and 30 have voted it down. Six of those presbyteries shifted from "no" votes in 2009 to "yes" votes this time, while one went from a "yes" vote in 2009 to a "no" this year.
The Rev. Clint Tolbert of First Presbyterian of Maumee was one of a handful of speakers opposing the amendment.
"My concern is not primarily what this amendment may say or may not say about issues of sexuality. My concern foremost is about what this amendment may or may not say about our relationship, both personally and the church, to Scripture," Mr. Tolbert said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "PCUSA Pastors in Talks of a New Future" by Lillian Kwon, Christian Post Reporter 2/16/11
A group of [175 PCUSA pastors] believes the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is "deathly ill" and will not survive without "drastic intervention."
"Our divisions revolve around differing understandings of Scripture, authority, Christology, the extent of salvation amidst creeping universalism, and a broader set of moral issues," they noted. "Outside of presbytery meetings, we mostly exist in separate worlds, with opposing sides reading different books and journals, attending different conferences, and supporting different causes. There is no longer common understanding of what is meant by being 'Reformed.'"
And while they plan to continue conversations within the PC(USA), the group is also considering possibly forming a new Reformed body, an entity that would be outside the PC(USA).
. . . they noted, "for many this outcome simply acknowledges that fighting is not the way we choose to proceed; our goal is not institutional survival but effective faithfulness as full participants in the worldwide Church. We hope to discover and model what a new 'Reformed body' looks like in the coming years."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Read also, Liberal 'Churches' Continue to Wither
UPDATE 5/10/11: Presbyterians Vote Yea on Gay 'Clergy'
UPDATE 3/1/11: Judicial commission acquits 'married' homosexual 'pastor' who dismisses Bible
-- From "Majority of local Presbytery supports homosexual clergy" by Chad Dally, Wausau Daily Herald, 2/13/11
A majority of central Wisconsin Presbyterian leaders believe homosexuals should be allowed to serve as pastors, deacons and elders, according to a Saturday vote.
The Presbytery's approval -- which came on a show of hands among the more than 50 leaders present -- marked the 28th vote among more than 170 Presbyteries nationwide in favor of opening up the ordination process to gays and lesbians. Twenty-five Presbyteries have voted against, and a majority of more than 170 U.S. Presbyteries must vote in favor for the change to take effect.
Tom Willadsen, pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Oshkosh, also supported the change, and said he was "bored and weary" after debating the issue for more than a decade. He also said the Presbyterian Book of Order that guides the church lists so many sins, including "stubbornness," that few people would be able to serve if strictly followed.
But the Rev. Richard Marcy from Faith Presbyterian Church in Crivitz, Marinette County, said he was opposed to changing the ordination process because it "does not solve the issue of homosexuality in the church" and whether the church considers homosexuality a sin. He also said the amendment change does not provide for "graceful separation" away from the Presbytery without repercussions for any churches that might object to homosexual clergy.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Church body approves ordaining gays, lesbians" by David Yonke, Toledo Blade Religion Editor 2/16/11
The [Bowling Green, Ohio] regional body of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted 67-39 Tuesday in favor of ordaining openly gay or lesbian pastors, but the proposed amendment must be approved by a majority of the nation's 173 presbyteries to take effect.
[In 2009, a similar] amendment was defeated nationally with 95 presbyteries voting against it and 78 in favor.
Pam Byers, executive director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, said Tuesday that, of the 67 presbyteries that have voted on the amendment thus far, 37 have approved it and 30 have voted it down. Six of those presbyteries shifted from "no" votes in 2009 to "yes" votes this time, while one went from a "yes" vote in 2009 to a "no" this year.
The Rev. Clint Tolbert of First Presbyterian of Maumee was one of a handful of speakers opposing the amendment.
"My concern is not primarily what this amendment may say or may not say about issues of sexuality. My concern foremost is about what this amendment may or may not say about our relationship, both personally and the church, to Scripture," Mr. Tolbert said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "PCUSA Pastors in Talks of a New Future" by Lillian Kwon, Christian Post Reporter 2/16/11
A group of [175 PCUSA pastors] believes the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is "deathly ill" and will not survive without "drastic intervention."
"Our divisions revolve around differing understandings of Scripture, authority, Christology, the extent of salvation amidst creeping universalism, and a broader set of moral issues," they noted. "Outside of presbytery meetings, we mostly exist in separate worlds, with opposing sides reading different books and journals, attending different conferences, and supporting different causes. There is no longer common understanding of what is meant by being 'Reformed.'"
And while they plan to continue conversations within the PC(USA), the group is also considering possibly forming a new Reformed body, an entity that would be outside the PC(USA).
. . . they noted, "for many this outcome simply acknowledges that fighting is not the way we choose to proceed; our goal is not institutional survival but effective faithfulness as full participants in the worldwide Church. We hope to discover and model what a new 'Reformed body' looks like in the coming years."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Read also, Liberal 'Churches' Continue to Wither
Friday, February 18, 2011
Obama Weakens Christians' 'Conscience Clause'
The Obama administration Friday deeply cut a rule protecting U.S. health workers refusing to provide care they find objectionable for personal or religious reasons.
The U.S. Health and Human Services Department wiped out nearly all of the so-called conscience rule put into effect in the waning days of President George W. Bush's administration.
For background, read Obama's Health Care Plans Include Religious Discrimination
-- From "Conscience rule drastically narrowed" posted at UPI 2/18/11
The [Bush] rule has been interpreted as allowing workers to refuse to perform a number of medical services, including providing the emergency contraceptive pill, treating homosexuals and prescribing contraception to single women.
The new regulation, which goes into effect in 30 days, leaves in place long-standing federal protections for workers who object to performing abortions or sterilizations and retains the Bush rule's process for workers to file complaints.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Bush Health-Care Measure Reversed" by Janet Adamy, Wall Street Journal 2/18/11
The Obama administration on Friday peeled back a rule defining when health-care workers can refuse to administer treatments they find morally objectionable, reversing a final act of George W. Bush's administration.
The Bush measure said that a wide variety of health-care workers could object to participating in abortions if they had moral objections to the procedure. Hospitals and clinics faced a loss of federal funds if they failed to uphold what the Bush administration termed workers' "right of conscience."
Liberal groups opposed the rule, saying it could open the door to a broader denial of services. They said it could allow insurance companies to deny claims for birth-control pills or enable hospitals to refuse emergency contraception to victims of rape.
While there was little evidence that such denials were happening with any frequency, the Obama administration said it needed to act to prevent ambiguity. It said decades of law already protect workers from participating in abortions if they don't wish to.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama Admin Weakens Protections for Pro-Life Medical Workers" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 2/18/11
Obama officials put a new rule in place that leaves in place protections on abortion but offers no protection for medical workers who have moral or religious objections to dispensing or giving to women the Plan B drug or other emergency contraception that could act in some cases as an abortion drug.
“The administration has made changes in a vital civil rights regulation without evidence or justification,” [Dr. J. Scott Ries, speaking for the 16,000-member Christian Medical Association] told LifeNews.com. “The administration presented no evidence of any problems in healthcare access, prescriptions or procedures that have occurred in the two years since the original regulation’s enactment that would justify any change in this protective regulation.”
“The Obama administration’s regulatory action today diminishes the civil rights that protect conscientious physicians and other healthcare professionals against discrimination. Any weakening of protections against discrimination against life-affirming healthcare professionals ultimately threatens to severely worsen patient access to health care,” the pro-life doctor said.
National survey results show that over nine of ten faith-based physicians, who are among the most likely to be serving the poor and those in medically underserved areas, indicate they would rather leave the profession if denied the ability to practice medicine according to conscientiously held ethical standards. Survey results also indicate that 20% of faith-based medical students say they are “not pursuing a career in Obstetrics or Gynecology” because of perceived discrimination and coercion in that field.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
The U.S. Health and Human Services Department wiped out nearly all of the so-called conscience rule put into effect in the waning days of President George W. Bush's administration.
For background, read Obama's Health Care Plans Include Religious Discrimination
-- From "Conscience rule drastically narrowed" posted at UPI 2/18/11
The [Bush] rule has been interpreted as allowing workers to refuse to perform a number of medical services, including providing the emergency contraceptive pill, treating homosexuals and prescribing contraception to single women.
The new regulation, which goes into effect in 30 days, leaves in place long-standing federal protections for workers who object to performing abortions or sterilizations and retains the Bush rule's process for workers to file complaints.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Bush Health-Care Measure Reversed" by Janet Adamy, Wall Street Journal 2/18/11
The Obama administration on Friday peeled back a rule defining when health-care workers can refuse to administer treatments they find morally objectionable, reversing a final act of George W. Bush's administration.
The Bush measure said that a wide variety of health-care workers could object to participating in abortions if they had moral objections to the procedure. Hospitals and clinics faced a loss of federal funds if they failed to uphold what the Bush administration termed workers' "right of conscience."
Liberal groups opposed the rule, saying it could open the door to a broader denial of services. They said it could allow insurance companies to deny claims for birth-control pills or enable hospitals to refuse emergency contraception to victims of rape.
While there was little evidence that such denials were happening with any frequency, the Obama administration said it needed to act to prevent ambiguity. It said decades of law already protect workers from participating in abortions if they don't wish to.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Obama Admin Weakens Protections for Pro-Life Medical Workers" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 2/18/11
Obama officials put a new rule in place that leaves in place protections on abortion but offers no protection for medical workers who have moral or religious objections to dispensing or giving to women the Plan B drug or other emergency contraception that could act in some cases as an abortion drug.
“The administration has made changes in a vital civil rights regulation without evidence or justification,” [Dr. J. Scott Ries, speaking for the 16,000-member Christian Medical Association] told LifeNews.com. “The administration presented no evidence of any problems in healthcare access, prescriptions or procedures that have occurred in the two years since the original regulation’s enactment that would justify any change in this protective regulation.”
“The Obama administration’s regulatory action today diminishes the civil rights that protect conscientious physicians and other healthcare professionals against discrimination. Any weakening of protections against discrimination against life-affirming healthcare professionals ultimately threatens to severely worsen patient access to health care,” the pro-life doctor said.
National survey results show that over nine of ten faith-based physicians, who are among the most likely to be serving the poor and those in medically underserved areas, indicate they would rather leave the profession if denied the ability to practice medicine according to conscientiously held ethical standards. Survey results also indicate that 20% of faith-based medical students say they are “not pursuing a career in Obstetrics or Gynecology” because of perceived discrimination and coercion in that field.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Christian Athlete Ridiculed for his Morality
Joel Northrup, a home-schooled sophomore, forfeited his wrestling match against a girl in the Iowa state tournament.
-- From "Girl wrestler in Iowa wins state match by default" by Jim Halley, USA TODAY 2/17/11
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Cassy and Megan and their accomplishments," Northrup said in a statement. "However, wrestling is a combat sport and it can get violent at times. As a matter of conscience and my faith, I do not believe that it is appropriate for a boy to engage a girl in this manner. It is unfortunate that I have been placed in a situation not seen in most of the high school sports in Iowa."
Northrup's father, Jamie, is pastor at Believers in Grace Fellowship, a non-denominational church in Marion.
In most states, girls wrestlers compete against boys. Hawaii, California and Texas have girls-only state wrestling tournaments.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Iowa Teen Refuses to Wrestle Girl, Citing Faith" posted at CBNNews.com 2/18/11
Jamie Northrup, the boy's father, is a Pentecostal minister. He said the family knew ahead of time who his son would be wrestling against and left the decision up to him.
"There's certainly no scriptures that address this and nothing doctrinal or church based," the elder Northrup said. "I just believe this is a principled decision."
"Joel believes, based on his conscience and faith, that girls should be treated with dignity and respect--taking nothing away from those two female athletes -- but wrestling is a combat sport," he explained.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
"As a matter of conscience and my faith, I do not believe it is appropriate for a boy to engage a girl in this manner."
-- From "Girl wrestler in Iowa wins state match by default" by Jim Halley, USA TODAY 2/17/11
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Cassy and Megan and their accomplishments," Northrup said in a statement. "However, wrestling is a combat sport and it can get violent at times. As a matter of conscience and my faith, I do not believe that it is appropriate for a boy to engage a girl in this manner. It is unfortunate that I have been placed in a situation not seen in most of the high school sports in Iowa."
Northrup's father, Jamie, is pastor at Believers in Grace Fellowship, a non-denominational church in Marion.
In most states, girls wrestlers compete against boys. Hawaii, California and Texas have girls-only state wrestling tournaments.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Iowa Teen Refuses to Wrestle Girl, Citing Faith" posted at CBNNews.com 2/18/11
Jamie Northrup, the boy's father, is a Pentecostal minister. He said the family knew ahead of time who his son would be wrestling against and left the decision up to him.
"There's certainly no scriptures that address this and nothing doctrinal or church based," the elder Northrup said. "I just believe this is a principled decision."
"Joel believes, based on his conscience and faith, that girls should be treated with dignity and respect--taking nothing away from those two female athletes -- but wrestling is a combat sport," he explained.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Same-sex Civil Unions Law in Hawaii
Hawaii state legislators on Wednesday approved civil unions for gay couples, and Gov. Neil Abercrombie said he would sign it into law.
-- From "Hawaii lawmakers approve civil unions for gay couples" by Suzanne Roig, Reuters 2/16/11
The Hawaii Senate approved the proposed law by a vote of 18-5, sending it to Abercrombie for his signature. It had earlier been approved by the House.
Throughout his campaign last fall, Abercrombie said he supported laws giving same-sex couples in civil unions the same rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage.
The law Abercrombie will sign is essentially the same as the measure that then-Governor Linda Lingle, a Republican, vetoed in July when she cited a "flawed" legal process as her reason for not giving her approval.
It would make the Aloha State the seventh state to grant essentially the same rights of marriage to same-sex couples through civil unions or similar laws.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Hawaii Legislature approves same-sex civil unions" by The Associated Press 2/16/11
The anxiously awaited civil unions vote came immediately after the Senate confirmed the state's first openly gay Supreme Court justice, Sabrina McKenna.
Hawaii has been a battleground in the gay rights movement for nearly 20 years, dating to a 1993 state Supreme Court decision that nearly legalized gay marriage. The ruling would have made Hawaii the first state to allow same-sex couples to wed, but it didn't take effect while voters were given a chance to decide.
They responded five years later by overwhelmingly passing the nation's first "defense of marriage" constitutional amendment, approved by 69 percent of voters who gave the Legislature the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples.
The amendment resulted in a law banning gay marriage in Hawaii but left the door open for civil unions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "'Historic' bill OK'd by Senate" by B.J. Reyes, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 2/17/11
The president of Dignity USA-Honolulu, who founded what he called the first "gay church" when he moved to Hawaii 41 years ago, was moved to tears at what he witnessed.
The governor's office said details on the bill's signing were forthcoming.
Senate Bill 232 allows all couples -- same-sex and heterosexual -- to enter into a civil union, a legal status with all the rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities as traditional marriage.
Former City Councilman Gary Okino, a civil-unions opponent who lost his bid for state House last year . . . had testified against the bill, citing concerns of families worried that same-sex lifestyles would be taught to public-school students with no option for parents to remove their child.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Homosexual Indoctrination Mandated for Schools
Another Homosexual Training Law for California Schools
American Voters Getting Message - Gay Agenda Targets Children
-- From "Hawaii lawmakers approve civil unions for gay couples" by Suzanne Roig, Reuters 2/16/11
The Hawaii Senate approved the proposed law by a vote of 18-5, sending it to Abercrombie for his signature. It had earlier been approved by the House.
Throughout his campaign last fall, Abercrombie said he supported laws giving same-sex couples in civil unions the same rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage.
The law Abercrombie will sign is essentially the same as the measure that then-Governor Linda Lingle, a Republican, vetoed in July when she cited a "flawed" legal process as her reason for not giving her approval.
It would make the Aloha State the seventh state to grant essentially the same rights of marriage to same-sex couples through civil unions or similar laws.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Hawaii Legislature approves same-sex civil unions" by The Associated Press 2/16/11
The anxiously awaited civil unions vote came immediately after the Senate confirmed the state's first openly gay Supreme Court justice, Sabrina McKenna.
Hawaii has been a battleground in the gay rights movement for nearly 20 years, dating to a 1993 state Supreme Court decision that nearly legalized gay marriage. The ruling would have made Hawaii the first state to allow same-sex couples to wed, but it didn't take effect while voters were given a chance to decide.
They responded five years later by overwhelmingly passing the nation's first "defense of marriage" constitutional amendment, approved by 69 percent of voters who gave the Legislature the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples.
The amendment resulted in a law banning gay marriage in Hawaii but left the door open for civil unions.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "'Historic' bill OK'd by Senate" by B.J. Reyes, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 2/17/11
The president of Dignity USA-Honolulu, who founded what he called the first "gay church" when he moved to Hawaii 41 years ago, was moved to tears at what he witnessed.
The governor's office said details on the bill's signing were forthcoming.
Senate Bill 232 allows all couples -- same-sex and heterosexual -- to enter into a civil union, a legal status with all the rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities as traditional marriage.
Former City Councilman Gary Okino, a civil-unions opponent who lost his bid for state House last year . . . had testified against the bill, citing concerns of families worried that same-sex lifestyles would be taught to public-school students with no option for parents to remove their child.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Click headlines below to read previous articles:
Homosexual Indoctrination Mandated for Schools
Another Homosexual Training Law for California Schools
American Voters Getting Message - Gay Agenda Targets Children
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Liberal 'Churches' Continue to Wither
While mainline Protestant churches in the U.S. continue to experience decades-long decline, the memberships of Pentecostal traditions are on the rise, according to new figures compiled by the National Council of Churches.
-- From "Evangelical Churches Still Growing, Mainline Protestantism In Decline" by Richard Yeakley, Religion News Service (Huffington Post) 2/15/11
The Roman Catholic Church (No. 1) and the Southern Baptist Convention (No. 2) are still significantly larger than all other North American denominations, but Catholics posted minimal growth of less than 1 percent, and Southern Baptist membership fell for a third straight year [by less than half a percent], according to the 2011 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches.
Mainline Protestant churches that have seen a fall in membership since the 1970s continued their decline. . .
The membership declines in mainline churches led to a 1 percent decrease in total U.S. church membership, to 145.8 million.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gains, losses continue" by Peter Smith, Louisville Courier-Journal 2/14/11
Historic Protestant denominations continued their long-term decline in the most recent annual survey of religious membership, while Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses and some Pentecostals reported continued growth.
Several of the council’s most active denominations, as it turns out, are declining. They include the nation’s largest Presbyterian, Episcopal, Lutheran and Methodist denominations, the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches (USA). While some critics have long cited liberal influences for these churches’ decline, some conservative denominations also saw declines, including the Southern Baptist Convention and the Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod). All have a largely white, Anglo constituency — a demographic that is aging and shrinking in proportion to minority populations in the United States.
For a list of the stats, and to read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Liberal churches losing ground in the US" by William Donohue, President of Catholic League 2/16/11
Beginning with the work of Dean Kelly in the 1970s, it has been empirically obvious that those religions which have experienced the greatest proportionate decline in membership are generally the most progressive or liberal in their teachings; conversely, conservative-oriented religions have fared comparatively well. The latest data from the Yearbook proves this to be true again.
With the exception of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and to some extent the American Baptist Churches, all the other churches with declining membership hold liberal views on abortion and gay rights.
Moreover, the smallest decline among the Baptist churches was registered by the most conservative among them, the Southern Baptist Convention (down .42). By sharp contrast, all the religions that experienced a growth in membership are pro-life and pro-marriage (normatively understood).
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read, 'Gay Churches' Decline as Mainlines Embrace Homosexuality
"To paraphrase a biblical passage, to those who have, more is being given, and those who have little have less."
-- From "Evangelical Churches Still Growing, Mainline Protestantism In Decline" by Richard Yeakley, Religion News Service (Huffington Post) 2/15/11
The Roman Catholic Church (No. 1) and the Southern Baptist Convention (No. 2) are still significantly larger than all other North American denominations, but Catholics posted minimal growth of less than 1 percent, and Southern Baptist membership fell for a third straight year [by less than half a percent], according to the 2011 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches.
Mainline Protestant churches that have seen a fall in membership since the 1970s continued their decline. . .
The membership declines in mainline churches led to a 1 percent decrease in total U.S. church membership, to 145.8 million.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gains, losses continue" by Peter Smith, Louisville Courier-Journal 2/14/11
Historic Protestant denominations continued their long-term decline in the most recent annual survey of religious membership, while Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses and some Pentecostals reported continued growth.
Several of the council’s most active denominations, as it turns out, are declining. They include the nation’s largest Presbyterian, Episcopal, Lutheran and Methodist denominations, the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches (USA). While some critics have long cited liberal influences for these churches’ decline, some conservative denominations also saw declines, including the Southern Baptist Convention and the Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod). All have a largely white, Anglo constituency — a demographic that is aging and shrinking in proportion to minority populations in the United States.
For a list of the stats, and to read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Liberal churches losing ground in the US" by William Donohue, President of Catholic League 2/16/11
Beginning with the work of Dean Kelly in the 1970s, it has been empirically obvious that those religions which have experienced the greatest proportionate decline in membership are generally the most progressive or liberal in their teachings; conversely, conservative-oriented religions have fared comparatively well. The latest data from the Yearbook proves this to be true again.
With the exception of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and to some extent the American Baptist Churches, all the other churches with declining membership hold liberal views on abortion and gay rights.
Moreover, the smallest decline among the Baptist churches was registered by the most conservative among them, the Southern Baptist Convention (down .42). By sharp contrast, all the religions that experienced a growth in membership are pro-life and pro-marriage (normatively understood).
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Also read, 'Gay Churches' Decline as Mainlines Embrace Homosexuality
IL School Bans Simulated Sex at Dances
Students complained to the school administration about their peers' sexually explicit "grinding dancing" wherein clothed partners simulate front-to-back sexual intercourse.
-- From "Geneva High School bans 'sexually explicit' dancing" by Ashley Rhodebeck, Kane County Chronicle 2/12/11
"We have sensed an increasingly inappropriate style of dancing at our recent dances, and we were approached, in addition to our own observations, we were approached by a group of students who expressed to us they were extremely uncomfortable with the style of dancing that was becoming popular," Principal Tom Rogers said.
Rogers said grinding became more popular during the 2009-10 year and during the dances last fall. He said there was no reason to delay the ban.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Fewer students dance after 'grinding' banned" by Frank Vaisvilas, Geneva Republican 2/14/11
The letter [explaining the ban, sent to parents] included a graphic description of the dance which stated, "In most cases a student stands directly behind their partner. He/she then places their hands either on their partner’s hips or around their midsection. At the same time, he/she presses their pelvic region against their partner’s backside. As the music plays, the students then thrust or “grind” to the beat of the music. Sometimes, the person in front will even bend over as they dance, placing their hands on their knees or the floor."
"Needless to say, this type of dancing is unacceptable for a school-sponsored activity," the letter stated.
Geneva High School junior Tom Fuerst . . . said many students don’t support the new policy and called it ridiculous, but admits the dances can get “brutal.”
“I could see why they would want that policy, but on the other hand, you have to let kids express themselves,” Fuerst said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Geneva High School bans 'sexually explicit' dancing" by Ashley Rhodebeck, Kane County Chronicle 2/12/11
"We have sensed an increasingly inappropriate style of dancing at our recent dances, and we were approached, in addition to our own observations, we were approached by a group of students who expressed to us they were extremely uncomfortable with the style of dancing that was becoming popular," Principal Tom Rogers said.
Rogers said grinding became more popular during the 2009-10 year and during the dances last fall. He said there was no reason to delay the ban.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Fewer students dance after 'grinding' banned" by Frank Vaisvilas, Geneva Republican 2/14/11
The letter [explaining the ban, sent to parents] included a graphic description of the dance which stated, "In most cases a student stands directly behind their partner. He/she then places their hands either on their partner’s hips or around their midsection. At the same time, he/she presses their pelvic region against their partner’s backside. As the music plays, the students then thrust or “grind” to the beat of the music. Sometimes, the person in front will even bend over as they dance, placing their hands on their knees or the floor."
"Needless to say, this type of dancing is unacceptable for a school-sponsored activity," the letter stated.
Geneva High School junior Tom Fuerst . . . said many students don’t support the new policy and called it ridiculous, but admits the dances can get “brutal.”
“I could see why they would want that policy, but on the other hand, you have to let kids express themselves,” Fuerst said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Enabling Men to Push The Pill on Girls
It's ironic that feminists want to make it easier for men wanting sex to force medications on young girls by making birth control pills and abortifacients available without a prescription.
-- From "Catania bill seeks to provide birth-control pills over the-counter" by Tim Craig, Washington Post Staff Writer 2/15/11
A [Washington] D.C. Council member introduced a bill Tuesday aimed at allowing women to bypass the doctor's office and get birth-control pills directly from a pharmacist.
Council member David A. Catania (I-At Large), who introduced the bill . . . has the support of Planned Parenthood, which long has argued that birth control should be more readily available to women. The bill is viewed skeptically by doctors and could push the city into conflicts with antiabortion groups and Food and Drug Administration regulations.
Catania's legislation does not set age restrictions on who would be able to obtain birth control from a pharmacist . . .
In 2006, the FDA approved the sale of Plan B, the so-called morning-after pill, over the counter to women who are age 18 or older.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Morning after pill faces test over access" by Susan Heavey, Reuters 2/11/11
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd earlier this week said it had asked the FDA for permission to sell [its Plan B morning-after pill] without any age limits, the latest salvo in a decade-long battle over the pill. Only those 17 and older can buy it now without a doctor's order.
Medical and women's groups have sought wider access for Plan B, which Teva acquired in 2008, since 2001. But the effort stalled under President George W. Bush and sparked multiple legal actions and congressional protests that the agency was letting politics trump science.
The FDA allowed limited "behind the counter" sales for women 18 and older in 2006 that required controversial identification checks. It later lowered the limit to age 17.
Planned Parenthood, the Reproductive Health Technologies Project and other supporters said this week they were thrilled Teva was seeking wider access.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Morning after pill linked to STD rise" from the UPI 2/1/11
The morning after pill may not have reduced teen pregnancies in Britain but it may be linked to a rise in sexually-transmitted diseases, researchers say.
Professors David Paton and Sourafel Girma of The University of Nottingham used local health data to study the effects of the availability of emergency birth control at pharmacies on conception rates and the diagnosis of STIs in teens age 18 and under.
On average, areas operating a pharmacy emergency birth control program had an overall increase of 5 percent in the rate of STIs among teenagers -- 12 percent in those age 16 and under -- while the program was associated with a small increase in the number of teens pregnant, the study says.
Since 2000, local authorities in England have been encouraged to offer emergency birth control free of charge, over-the-counter at pharmacies, to teenagers age 16 and under.
The findings are published in the Journal of Health Economics.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Catania bill seeks to provide birth-control pills over the-counter" by Tim Craig, Washington Post Staff Writer 2/15/11
A [Washington] D.C. Council member introduced a bill Tuesday aimed at allowing women to bypass the doctor's office and get birth-control pills directly from a pharmacist.
Council member David A. Catania (I-At Large), who introduced the bill . . . has the support of Planned Parenthood, which long has argued that birth control should be more readily available to women. The bill is viewed skeptically by doctors and could push the city into conflicts with antiabortion groups and Food and Drug Administration regulations.
Catania's legislation does not set age restrictions on who would be able to obtain birth control from a pharmacist . . .
In 2006, the FDA approved the sale of Plan B, the so-called morning-after pill, over the counter to women who are age 18 or older.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Morning after pill faces test over access" by Susan Heavey, Reuters 2/11/11
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd earlier this week said it had asked the FDA for permission to sell [its Plan B morning-after pill] without any age limits, the latest salvo in a decade-long battle over the pill. Only those 17 and older can buy it now without a doctor's order.
Medical and women's groups have sought wider access for Plan B, which Teva acquired in 2008, since 2001. But the effort stalled under President George W. Bush and sparked multiple legal actions and congressional protests that the agency was letting politics trump science.
The FDA allowed limited "behind the counter" sales for women 18 and older in 2006 that required controversial identification checks. It later lowered the limit to age 17.
Planned Parenthood, the Reproductive Health Technologies Project and other supporters said this week they were thrilled Teva was seeking wider access.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Morning after pill linked to STD rise" from the UPI 2/1/11
The morning after pill may not have reduced teen pregnancies in Britain but it may be linked to a rise in sexually-transmitted diseases, researchers say.
Professors David Paton and Sourafel Girma of The University of Nottingham used local health data to study the effects of the availability of emergency birth control at pharmacies on conception rates and the diagnosis of STIs in teens age 18 and under.
On average, areas operating a pharmacy emergency birth control program had an overall increase of 5 percent in the rate of STIs among teenagers -- 12 percent in those age 16 and under -- while the program was associated with a small increase in the number of teens pregnant, the study says.
Since 2000, local authorities in England have been encouraged to offer emergency birth control free of charge, over-the-counter at pharmacies, to teenagers age 16 and under.
The findings are published in the Journal of Health Economics.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
City Continues to Pray Despite Atheist Lawsuit Threat
The Yakima City Council voted . . . to continue praying at meetings, although it plans to make changes to reduce the risk of getting sued.
-- From "Yakima City Council votes to keep praying" by The Associated Press 2/2/11
KNDO reports the council directed the city attorney to draft a disclaimer saying the prayers are not intended to impose religion on anyone.
The council prayer has been challenged by the Freedom from Religion Foundation. The Madison, Wis., group promotes separation of church and state.
From "Committee Forms New Policy on Prayer in Council Meetings" by Hayley Guenthner, KIMA CBS-TV29 (Yakima, WA) 2/1/11
The Yakima City Council's Rules and Procedure Committee created a policy they believe will protect them from law suits regarding prayer at their meetings.
At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Mayor Micah Cawley told KIMA they believe praying before meetings instead of during is their best bet to avoid further legal threats. The prayer will also continue to be unspecific to any religion. The council will vote on whether or not to adopt that policy at their next meeting.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "City Council likes prayer model" by Chris Bristol, Yakima Herald-Republic 2/1/11
With little comment, the council agreed Tuesday to adopt a model policy offered by the Alliance Defense Fund, a group of lawyers whose stated goal is to defend freedom of religious expression.
Last week, a lawyer for the Freedom From Religion Foundation in Madison, Wis., reiterated her earlier threats to sue the city if the council does not change its current practice of opening meetings with invocations to a Christian God and Jesus Christ.
. . . the ADF's model policy states the Founding Fathers recognized rights endowed by a "Creator," and asserts the courts have allowed prayer on the basis of custom and requests for "divine guidance."
A legal memo from the ADF accompanying the model policy suggests the City Council could be on rocky ground if invocations continue to exclusively refer to a Christian God and Jesus Christ.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Yakima City Council votes to keep praying" by The Associated Press 2/2/11
KNDO reports the council directed the city attorney to draft a disclaimer saying the prayers are not intended to impose religion on anyone.
The council prayer has been challenged by the Freedom from Religion Foundation. The Madison, Wis., group promotes separation of church and state.
From "Committee Forms New Policy on Prayer in Council Meetings" by Hayley Guenthner, KIMA CBS-TV29 (Yakima, WA) 2/1/11
The Yakima City Council's Rules and Procedure Committee created a policy they believe will protect them from law suits regarding prayer at their meetings.
At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Mayor Micah Cawley told KIMA they believe praying before meetings instead of during is their best bet to avoid further legal threats. The prayer will also continue to be unspecific to any religion. The council will vote on whether or not to adopt that policy at their next meeting.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "City Council likes prayer model" by Chris Bristol, Yakima Herald-Republic 2/1/11
With little comment, the council agreed Tuesday to adopt a model policy offered by the Alliance Defense Fund, a group of lawyers whose stated goal is to defend freedom of religious expression.
Last week, a lawyer for the Freedom From Religion Foundation in Madison, Wis., reiterated her earlier threats to sue the city if the council does not change its current practice of opening meetings with invocations to a Christian God and Jesus Christ.
. . . the ADF's model policy states the Founding Fathers recognized rights endowed by a "Creator," and asserts the courts have allowed prayer on the basis of custom and requests for "divine guidance."
A legal memo from the ADF accompanying the model policy suggests the City Council could be on rocky ground if invocations continue to exclusively refer to a Christian God and Jesus Christ.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Most Teens Want to be Virgins at Marriage
Half of the over 5,000 teens surveyed concluded that sex before marriage was "never" morally acceptable; over 70 percent rejected the practice of "living together" before marriage; and 61 percent confessed they would like to be a virgin on their wedding day.
-- From "Study Reveals That Teens Desire Abstinence Until Marriage" by Dave Bohon, The New American 2/14/11
A new study from a youth research organization finds that even amidst a culture in which an aggressive media encourages teens to become sexually active, a solid majority still want to embrace traditional values regarding sex. According to the latest research by OneHope, a Christian youth outreach that provides research to non-profit organizations, 61 percent of American teens want to remain abstinent until marriage, with an additional 63 percent saying that while they have already been sexually active, they would like to return to a place of sexual purity.
[The study found:]
From "American teens: We want our virginity back" by Drew Zahn © 2011 WorldNetDaily 2/14/11
The verified online survey of teens aged 13-18 was conducted by the international Christian children's ministry OneHope and strictly randomized to include a proportioned mix of students from different races, parts of the country and urban vs. rural residence.
Chad Causey, OneHope's vice president of global ministries explained the survey's questions about sexuality were merely part of a broader attempt to understand how teens think.
"What was striking to us was, while we celebrated the 61 percent who said that they wanted to be a virgin when they were married, it became quickly apparent that that belief was loosely held," Causey told CBN News. "Even among the students who saw ... virginity is something to be saved for marriage, many of them, 77 percent, believe there's nothing wrong with passionate kissing; a third of them, 34 percent, believed it was OK to have sex before marriage; in other words, their belief about virginity or about preserving intimacy for marriage was a very private belief. They didn't see it as something that was right, they saw it as something that was right for them, and that came through more and more frequently in the research."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Study Reveals That Teens Desire Abstinence Until Marriage" by Dave Bohon, The New American 2/14/11
A new study from a youth research organization finds that even amidst a culture in which an aggressive media encourages teens to become sexually active, a solid majority still want to embrace traditional values regarding sex. According to the latest research by OneHope, a Christian youth outreach that provides research to non-profit organizations, 61 percent of American teens want to remain abstinent until marriage, with an additional 63 percent saying that while they have already been sexually active, they would like to return to a place of sexual purity.
[The study found:]
• 82 percent of teens said they believe God intended marriage to last a lifetime.On a more alarming note, the survey found that:
• 64 percent said religion is somewhat or very important to them.
• 80 percent said parents had at least some influence over their thoughts and actions (followed by teachers and friends).
• 69 percent of the teens surveyed said they regularly watch MTV (sponsors of such fare as the overtly sexualized weekly teen drama Skins).To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
• 65 percent said they believe that truth is relative.
• 52 percent said they believe spiritual development is not necessary for a satisfying life.
• 50 percent said they considered an unmarried man and woman a family.
• 34 percent said they spend less than 15 minutes a week talking with their fathers about things that matter to them.
From "American teens: We want our virginity back" by Drew Zahn © 2011 WorldNetDaily 2/14/11
The verified online survey of teens aged 13-18 was conducted by the international Christian children's ministry OneHope and strictly randomized to include a proportioned mix of students from different races, parts of the country and urban vs. rural residence.
Chad Causey, OneHope's vice president of global ministries explained the survey's questions about sexuality were merely part of a broader attempt to understand how teens think.
"What was striking to us was, while we celebrated the 61 percent who said that they wanted to be a virgin when they were married, it became quickly apparent that that belief was loosely held," Causey told CBN News. "Even among the students who saw ... virginity is something to be saved for marriage, many of them, 77 percent, believe there's nothing wrong with passionate kissing; a third of them, 34 percent, believed it was OK to have sex before marriage; in other words, their belief about virginity or about preserving intimacy for marriage was a very private belief. They didn't see it as something that was right, they saw it as something that was right for them, and that came through more and more frequently in the research."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Praying for Victims of Planned Parenthood Nationwide
Pro-life activists gathered at hundreds of abortion clinics to pray for the victims of the abortion industry, and to protest Planned Parenthood's alleged participation in sex trafficking of young teens.
For background on Planned Parenthood and abortion legislation, read Congress Faces Greatest Genocide in History, and also read Left Fears a Take-down of Planned Parenthood
(In response to Planned Parenthood accusations of "doctored videos," every undercover video is available on-line, in full/unedited, with one extra click, as provided by Live Action.)
-- From "Prayer vigil targets Planned Parenthood" by Wendell Marsh, Reuters 2/14/11
Protesters converged on a Planned Parenthood clinic in Washington on Monday in what they said was one of a number of nationwide prayer vigils at the group's operations, which they say encourage sex trafficking.
The groups, which attracted about 70 to 100 people to the Washington vigil, would like to see an end to government subsidies for health provider Planned Parenthood.
"The horrors exposed in the recent videos were not isolated incidents in the history of a group willing to be a chief ally in the exploitation of women and girls," said Susan B. Anthony List president Marjorie Dannenfelser, in a statement after the protest.
"Yet, this organization insists that it deserves taxpayers' continued support," she said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Protests Outside Of Planned Parenthoods Nationwide" by Ashlei King, KTXS TV-12 News (Abilene, TX) 2/14/11
People protested outside Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide, including here in Abilene for victims of underage sex trafficking.
In Abilene, protestors held up signs saying Planned Parenthood is unsafe for women and girls.
Planned Parenthood said in a written statement, “Our first priority today and every day is taking care of the women and families who walk through our health center door seeking lifesaving cancer screenings, family planning, HIV testing and other services. There is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our patients and providing high quality health care. No matter who protest, our patients can always count on Planned Parenthood to stay focused on delivering the care they need and deserve. That’s why we are here.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Protesters hold what they call a 'Vigil for Victims'" posted at KNDO TV Spokane, WA 2/14/11
Local human rights advocates held what they called a "Vigil for Victims" of underage sex trafficking Monday. They set up at both the Kennewick and Pasco Planned Parenthood offices.
"Planned Parenthood explained how they could give abortions to underage girls and how to break the law and at all seven places none of this was reported," says Katherine Crowley, Protester.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Planned Parenthood draws controversy" by Beth Jones, WLUK TV-11 (Green Bay, WI) 2/14/11
More than 20 picketers lined the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood facility in Green Bay Monday afternoon.
Participants say they're trying to draw attention to videos allegedly showing Planned Parenthood staff in New Jersey as willing to assist sex traffickers. The undercover videos were released earlier this month by Live Action, a California-based group.
The group did not make any recent videos in Wisconsin.
"We're not accusing the local Planned Parenthood of being involved in any of that kind of activity, but we do know that the handing out of contraceptives and other issues that lead to abortion, these are things that Planned Parenthood is actively involved in and we don't want our tax dollars going to that," [40 Days for Life coordinator Jim] Ball explained.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background on Planned Parenthood and abortion legislation, read Congress Faces Greatest Genocide in History, and also read Left Fears a Take-down of Planned Parenthood
(In response to Planned Parenthood accusations of "doctored videos," every undercover video is available on-line, in full/unedited, with one extra click, as provided by Live Action.)
-- From "Prayer vigil targets Planned Parenthood" by Wendell Marsh, Reuters 2/14/11
Protesters converged on a Planned Parenthood clinic in Washington on Monday in what they said was one of a number of nationwide prayer vigils at the group's operations, which they say encourage sex trafficking.
The groups, which attracted about 70 to 100 people to the Washington vigil, would like to see an end to government subsidies for health provider Planned Parenthood.
"The horrors exposed in the recent videos were not isolated incidents in the history of a group willing to be a chief ally in the exploitation of women and girls," said Susan B. Anthony List president Marjorie Dannenfelser, in a statement after the protest.
"Yet, this organization insists that it deserves taxpayers' continued support," she said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Protests Outside Of Planned Parenthoods Nationwide" by Ashlei King, KTXS TV-12 News (Abilene, TX) 2/14/11
People protested outside Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide, including here in Abilene for victims of underage sex trafficking.
In Abilene, protestors held up signs saying Planned Parenthood is unsafe for women and girls.
Planned Parenthood said in a written statement, “Our first priority today and every day is taking care of the women and families who walk through our health center door seeking lifesaving cancer screenings, family planning, HIV testing and other services. There is nothing more important to us than the health and safety of our patients and providing high quality health care. No matter who protest, our patients can always count on Planned Parenthood to stay focused on delivering the care they need and deserve. That’s why we are here.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Protesters hold what they call a 'Vigil for Victims'" posted at KNDO TV Spokane, WA 2/14/11
Local human rights advocates held what they called a "Vigil for Victims" of underage sex trafficking Monday. They set up at both the Kennewick and Pasco Planned Parenthood offices.
"Planned Parenthood explained how they could give abortions to underage girls and how to break the law and at all seven places none of this was reported," says Katherine Crowley, Protester.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Planned Parenthood draws controversy" by Beth Jones, WLUK TV-11 (Green Bay, WI) 2/14/11
More than 20 picketers lined the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood facility in Green Bay Monday afternoon.
Participants say they're trying to draw attention to videos allegedly showing Planned Parenthood staff in New Jersey as willing to assist sex traffickers. The undercover videos were released earlier this month by Live Action, a California-based group.
The group did not make any recent videos in Wisconsin.
"We're not accusing the local Planned Parenthood of being involved in any of that kind of activity, but we do know that the handing out of contraceptives and other issues that lead to abortion, these are things that Planned Parenthood is actively involved in and we don't want our tax dollars going to that," [40 Days for Life coordinator Jim] Ball explained.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Ohio GOP Challenge Roe v. Wade
The Christian Tea Party power is playing out in many states, including Ohio where the November 2010 election placed Republicans in control, as the legislature begins with the most significant challenge ever to the Supreme Court 1973 ruling on abortion.
-- From "Ohio abortion ban could be most restrictive" by Karen Kasler, Statehouse Bureau Chief, WKSU (NPR) 2/9/11
Ohio could have the most restrictive law on abortion in the nation, if the so-called “Heartbeat Bill” passes. The measure would ban abortion after the first detectable fetal heartbeat, which can be as early as five weeks after conception. Sponsoring Rep. Lynn Wachtmann (watch-man) of Napoleon says other states will be watching the outcome of this bill, which could test the limits of nearly 40 years of case law on abortion.
Ohio Right to Life is on record as opposing the bill, saying it doesn’t stand a chance of being upheld as constitutional. It’s instead pushing a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks – a point at which the antiabortion group says a fetus can live outside the body.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Abortions would be costly, difficult to get under new bills" by Laura A. Bischoff, Dayton Daily News 2/12/11
With state government now firmly under Republican control, lawmakers are considering:
From "OH Bill Aims to Ban Almost All Abortions" by Violet Ikonomova, WTAP TV-5 News (Parkersburg, WV) 2/10/11
Meanwhile pro-abortion groups like Planned Parenthood have come out against the bill. The head of the group's legislative arm in Ohio says it's obviously unconstitutional and if passed, would be tied up in litigation for years.
And some anti-abortionists share that sentiment.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ohio Abortion Proposal Challenges Roe v. Wade" by Jennifer Wishon, CBN News Washington Correspondent 2/10/11
In the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision, women have the right to an abortion until their fetus is viable or able to live outside the womb. It's only at the point of viability that states can restrict abortion under the ruling.
A constitutional challenge to Roe v. Wade is what many pro-life Americans want. The heartbeat bill in Ohio is one of a handful of measures moving through various state legislatures aimed at restricting abortions.
Whether the legislation . . . passes or not, newly elected Republicans have made it clear they intend to act on their pro-life principles.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Ohio abortion ban could be most restrictive" by Karen Kasler, Statehouse Bureau Chief, WKSU (NPR) 2/9/11
Ohio could have the most restrictive law on abortion in the nation, if the so-called “Heartbeat Bill” passes. The measure would ban abortion after the first detectable fetal heartbeat, which can be as early as five weeks after conception. Sponsoring Rep. Lynn Wachtmann (watch-man) of Napoleon says other states will be watching the outcome of this bill, which could test the limits of nearly 40 years of case law on abortion.
Ohio Right to Life is on record as opposing the bill, saying it doesn’t stand a chance of being upheld as constitutional. It’s instead pushing a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks – a point at which the antiabortion group says a fetus can live outside the body.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Abortions would be costly, difficult to get under new bills" by Laura A. Bischoff, Dayton Daily News 2/12/11
With state government now firmly under Republican control, lawmakers are considering:
• Senate Bill 8 and House Bill 63. Requiring courts to ask teens who are seeking permission to have an abortion if they understand the possible physical and emotional complications.To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
• House Bill 79. Prohibiting health care plans that participate in the state insurance exchange from covering elective abortions.
• Banning abortions after a heartbeat can be detected, which can be as early as five weeks.
• House Bill 78 and Senate Bill 72. Banning abortions after 20 weeks gestation.
• House Bill 7. Banning abortions after 22 weeks gestation.
From "OH Bill Aims to Ban Almost All Abortions" by Violet Ikonomova, WTAP TV-5 News (Parkersburg, WV) 2/10/11
Meanwhile pro-abortion groups like Planned Parenthood have come out against the bill. The head of the group's legislative arm in Ohio says it's obviously unconstitutional and if passed, would be tied up in litigation for years.
And some anti-abortionists share that sentiment.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ohio Abortion Proposal Challenges Roe v. Wade" by Jennifer Wishon, CBN News Washington Correspondent 2/10/11
In the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision, women have the right to an abortion until their fetus is viable or able to live outside the womb. It's only at the point of viability that states can restrict abortion under the ruling.
A constitutional challenge to Roe v. Wade is what many pro-life Americans want. The heartbeat bill in Ohio is one of a handful of measures moving through various state legislatures aimed at restricting abortions.
Whether the legislation . . . passes or not, newly elected Republicans have made it clear they intend to act on their pro-life principles.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Judge Says Judeo-Christian Values Are Obsolete
The owners of a Christian "bed and breakfast" hotel in Cornwall, England have been convicted of violating the U.K. sexuality orientation law and ordered to pay £3,600 to two men, so-called civil partners, whom they refused a double bed.
For background, read Homosexual Couple Sue to Deny Christian Liberty
UPDATE 10/20/12: U.K. Judge fines another "bed and breakfast" owner nearly $6,000
-- From "Christian Innkeepers Found Guilty For Turning Away Gay Couple" by Al Webb, Religion News Service (Huffington Post) 1/19/11
The hoteliers had argued they were trying "to live and work in accordance with our Christian faith" when they refused to let the two men share a bed.
"Our double-bed policy was based on our sincere beliefs about marriage, not hostility to anybody," Hazelmary Bull told the court. She insisted the policy "was applied equally and consistently to unmarried heterosexual couples and homosexual couples."
But Judge Andrew Rutherford said the Bulls' views were outdated and violated Britain's Equality Act of 2007.
"It is inevitable that laws will, from time to time, cut across the deeply held beliefs of individuals and sections of society, so they reflect the social attitudes and morals prevailing at the time they are made," the judge said in his 12-page ruling.
"Not so very long ago," he added, "these beliefs would have been those accepted as normal by society at large. Now it is the other way around."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "UK Judge Says Judeo-Christian Values Are Obsolete" posted at theTrumpet.com (Philadelphia Church of God) 1/20/11
English law is based on the changing values of the populace, rather than the Judeo-Christian principles found in the Bible, Judge Andrew Rutherford declared in a ruling on January 18.
“Those Judeo-Christian principles, standards and beliefs which were accepted as normal in times past are no longer so accepted. Things have radically changed since the days of Queen Victoria or even, for that matter, since the days of her grandson King George v.”
He is right. Popular morality has completely rejected these ancient values, and the government has followed suit. Even English common law, the law that the judge said was based on Judeo-Christian principles, “has been largely superseded” by “the enormous growth of statutory legislation,” he said.
“In our parliamentary democracy it is for parliament to frame laws which reflect these changes in attitude or which give a lead to such changes,” he said. “Whatever may have been the position in past centuries it is no longer the case that our laws must, or should, automatically reflect the Judeo-Christian position.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Christian hotelier found guilty of gay bias looks set to lose her home and asks: So who's really being persecuted?" by Helen Weathers, UK Daily Mail 1/21/11
Their lives are now in turmoil. Hazelmary is adamant that she and Peter will not compromise their religious beliefs, despite the court ruling. As a result, they have two options - face prosecution again by refusing to book double rooms to gay civil partners, or close the business.
Chymorvah is a small, loss-making hotel, which charges £43 per person per night. Yet the Bulls did not go into this business to make a fortune, but to offer Christian hospitality.
‘This is a head-on collision between two lifestyles which are both equally protected under the human rights charter, but it seems our rights are now less equal.
'There are many people in Britain, Christian or not, who are very worried about being told what to believe in their own homes.' Hazelmary says: ‘We are not homophobic. Had Mr Hall and Mr Preddy booked into twin rooms or for a cream tea, we would have more than welcomed them. For us, it’s a case of loving the sinner, but not the sin.’
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Telegraph interviewer insults and ridicules believers. Is it a warning?" by Hilary White, LifeSiteNews.com 2/8/11
Did anyone else notice something odd about that article in the Telegraph? The one about the goings on in Cornwall, at a guesthouse owned by the beleaguered Peter and Hazelmary Bull . . .
Was it me, or did the interviewer, Judith Woods, spend half her column space, over 1,500 words, insulting and ridiculing her subject? And between the sneering and nudge-nudge-wink-winking, was there just the faintest hint of a threat behind it all?
Miss Woods shares her impressions: “[I]t’s hard to escape the uncomfortable feeling that this elderly couple – narrow-minded, eccentric, singularly lacking in business nous in their batty rejection of modern mores, gay and straight – have been miscast as both persecuted and persecutors and will come off badly whatever happens.”
It is intimated that the Bulls simply should have known better. One does not challenge the New Order of Things: “Despite being fully aware of new anti-discriminatory legislation, they have continued to enforce their bizarre Fifties house rules, because the Lord is on their side even if, as now transpires, the law isn’t.”
At this point, I had to stop and go back and check whether this was classified under “Comment,” or maybe “Culture” or “Lifestyle” where one might be more disposed to grant some editorial latitude. No, it’s firmly labeled “News.”
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
From "Christian hoteliers appeal against ban on gay couple" posted at BBC News 1/25/11
The Christian Institute is reportedly funding the appeal.
At the time of the judgement the couple said they were "obviously disappointed with the result".
Mrs Bull said: "Our double-bed policy was based on our sincere beliefs about marriage, not hostility to anybody."
The appeal will be heard later in the year.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Homosexual Couple Sue to Deny Christian Liberty
UPDATE 10/20/12: U.K. Judge fines another "bed and breakfast" owner nearly $6,000
-- From "Christian Innkeepers Found Guilty For Turning Away Gay Couple" by Al Webb, Religion News Service (Huffington Post) 1/19/11
The hoteliers had argued they were trying "to live and work in accordance with our Christian faith" when they refused to let the two men share a bed.
"Our double-bed policy was based on our sincere beliefs about marriage, not hostility to anybody," Hazelmary Bull told the court. She insisted the policy "was applied equally and consistently to unmarried heterosexual couples and homosexual couples."
But Judge Andrew Rutherford said the Bulls' views were outdated and violated Britain's Equality Act of 2007.
"It is inevitable that laws will, from time to time, cut across the deeply held beliefs of individuals and sections of society, so they reflect the social attitudes and morals prevailing at the time they are made," the judge said in his 12-page ruling.
"Not so very long ago," he added, "these beliefs would have been those accepted as normal by society at large. Now it is the other way around."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "UK Judge Says Judeo-Christian Values Are Obsolete" posted at theTrumpet.com (Philadelphia Church of God) 1/20/11
English law is based on the changing values of the populace, rather than the Judeo-Christian principles found in the Bible, Judge Andrew Rutherford declared in a ruling on January 18.
“Those Judeo-Christian principles, standards and beliefs which were accepted as normal in times past are no longer so accepted. Things have radically changed since the days of Queen Victoria or even, for that matter, since the days of her grandson King George v.”
He is right. Popular morality has completely rejected these ancient values, and the government has followed suit. Even English common law, the law that the judge said was based on Judeo-Christian principles, “has been largely superseded” by “the enormous growth of statutory legislation,” he said.
“In our parliamentary democracy it is for parliament to frame laws which reflect these changes in attitude or which give a lead to such changes,” he said. “Whatever may have been the position in past centuries it is no longer the case that our laws must, or should, automatically reflect the Judeo-Christian position.”
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Christian hotelier found guilty of gay bias looks set to lose her home and asks: So who's really being persecuted?" by Helen Weathers, UK Daily Mail 1/21/11
Their lives are now in turmoil. Hazelmary is adamant that she and Peter will not compromise their religious beliefs, despite the court ruling. As a result, they have two options - face prosecution again by refusing to book double rooms to gay civil partners, or close the business.
Chymorvah is a small, loss-making hotel, which charges £43 per person per night. Yet the Bulls did not go into this business to make a fortune, but to offer Christian hospitality.
‘This is a head-on collision between two lifestyles which are both equally protected under the human rights charter, but it seems our rights are now less equal.
'There are many people in Britain, Christian or not, who are very worried about being told what to believe in their own homes.' Hazelmary says: ‘We are not homophobic. Had Mr Hall and Mr Preddy booked into twin rooms or for a cream tea, we would have more than welcomed them. For us, it’s a case of loving the sinner, but not the sin.’
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Telegraph interviewer insults and ridicules believers. Is it a warning?" by Hilary White, LifeSiteNews.com 2/8/11
Did anyone else notice something odd about that article in the Telegraph? The one about the goings on in Cornwall, at a guesthouse owned by the beleaguered Peter and Hazelmary Bull . . .
Was it me, or did the interviewer, Judith Woods, spend half her column space, over 1,500 words, insulting and ridiculing her subject? And between the sneering and nudge-nudge-wink-winking, was there just the faintest hint of a threat behind it all?
Miss Woods shares her impressions: “[I]t’s hard to escape the uncomfortable feeling that this elderly couple – narrow-minded, eccentric, singularly lacking in business nous in their batty rejection of modern mores, gay and straight – have been miscast as both persecuted and persecutors and will come off badly whatever happens.”
It is intimated that the Bulls simply should have known better. One does not challenge the New Order of Things: “Despite being fully aware of new anti-discriminatory legislation, they have continued to enforce their bizarre Fifties house rules, because the Lord is on their side even if, as now transpires, the law isn’t.”
At this point, I had to stop and go back and check whether this was classified under “Comment,” or maybe “Culture” or “Lifestyle” where one might be more disposed to grant some editorial latitude. No, it’s firmly labeled “News.”
To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.
From "Christian hoteliers appeal against ban on gay couple" posted at BBC News 1/25/11
The Christian Institute is reportedly funding the appeal.
At the time of the judgement the couple said they were "obviously disappointed with the result".
Mrs Bull said: "Our double-bed policy was based on our sincere beliefs about marriage, not hostility to anybody."
The appeal will be heard later in the year.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Christian Tea Party Congressman Keynotes CPAC
Congressman Allen West opened with Isaiah 54:17, and went on to say, “If we are to have a new dawn in America, it means reclaiming our Judeo-Christian faith heritage. . . . This is not about a separation of church and state, it is about making sure that we do not separate faith from the individual. You must never forget that the American motto is ‘In God We Trust’.”
For background, read Christian Tea Party is Enigma to Liberal Media
Above video is Part 3 of West's speech. Click here for Part 1 -- Click here for Part 2.
-- From "A closing dish of red meat from West" by James Hohmann, Politico 2/12/11
Rep. Allen West, the firebrand conservative Republican freshman from Florida, closed CPAC with a speech full of red meat applause lines for fiscal, social and national security conservatives.
“We must hold sacred the privilege of the institution of marriage as a bond between a man and a woman to promote the promulgation of our society because we cannot allow the destruction of the American family,” he said.
... “When tolerance becomes a one-way street, it leads to cultural suicide.”
“I will never support late-term abortion or the use of abortion as birth control because I do not believe that having a baby is punishment,” he said.
West, one of two blacks among the 87 Republican freshmen, pushed back against criticisms that the tea party movement is racist. “Perhaps they should see me standing here as your keynote speaker,” he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rookie U.S. Rep. Allen West taking bulldog's approach" by Alex Leary, St. Petersburg (FL) Times Staff Writer 2/13/11
West arrived in Washington after defeating two-term Democrat Ron Klein, who argued that his opponent's views were out of step with the 22nd congressional district, a span of mostly-white and fairly affluent voters that runs from north Palm Beach County to Fort Lauderdale in Broward County.
In normal times, West likely would not be able to get elected. . . .
In January, West drew fire for saying that Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the first Muslim member of Congress, "really does represent the antithesis of the principles upon which this country was established." A group of religious leaders condemned West, who insisted he was referring to Ellison's support for the Council on American Islamic Relations.
"One of the critical things that if we do not get beyond will end up destroying this country," West said, "is political correctness."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Meteoric Rise of Allen West" by Jessica Taylor, National Journal 2/12/11
On Saturday night, when the freshman lawmaker gives the closing keynote address at the Conservative Political Action Conference, it will cap an improbable journey. Three years ago, West was a first-time candidate trying to get a campaign off the ground and didn't even have a speaking slot at the annual CPAC gathering. This year, he's been rewarded with a prime slot usually reserved for presidential aspirants or major media commentators.
The fiery Republican made his first run for Congress in 2008 against Rep. Ron Klein, D-Fla. A retired Army lieutenant colonel, West boasted a military career that was lengthy but not without controversy. In 2003, West was charged by the military after threatening to kill and firing a handgun near the head of Iraqi police officer while interrogating him about attacks on U.S. forces in the area. But the investigation resulted in no court martial. The conservative media came to West's defense. But, facing a Democratic headwind and a much better funded opponent, West fell short by by 10 percentage points in his first political foray.
That was before the rise of the tea party. West began running again the next year, and he became a conservative internet celebrity after an October 2009 video of his barnburner of a speech at a Ft. Lauderdale tea party rally went viral, getting over two million hits after he told attendees to "stand up, to get your musket, to fix your bayonet and to charge into the ranks."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background, read Christian Tea Party is Enigma to Liberal Media
Above video is Part 3 of West's speech. Click here for Part 1 -- Click here for Part 2.
-- From "A closing dish of red meat from West" by James Hohmann, Politico 2/12/11
Rep. Allen West, the firebrand conservative Republican freshman from Florida, closed CPAC with a speech full of red meat applause lines for fiscal, social and national security conservatives.
“We must hold sacred the privilege of the institution of marriage as a bond between a man and a woman to promote the promulgation of our society because we cannot allow the destruction of the American family,” he said.
... “When tolerance becomes a one-way street, it leads to cultural suicide.”
“I will never support late-term abortion or the use of abortion as birth control because I do not believe that having a baby is punishment,” he said.
West, one of two blacks among the 87 Republican freshmen, pushed back against criticisms that the tea party movement is racist. “Perhaps they should see me standing here as your keynote speaker,” he said.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Rookie U.S. Rep. Allen West taking bulldog's approach" by Alex Leary, St. Petersburg (FL) Times Staff Writer 2/13/11
West arrived in Washington after defeating two-term Democrat Ron Klein, who argued that his opponent's views were out of step with the 22nd congressional district, a span of mostly-white and fairly affluent voters that runs from north Palm Beach County to Fort Lauderdale in Broward County.
In normal times, West likely would not be able to get elected. . . .
In January, West drew fire for saying that Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the first Muslim member of Congress, "really does represent the antithesis of the principles upon which this country was established." A group of religious leaders condemned West, who insisted he was referring to Ellison's support for the Council on American Islamic Relations.
"One of the critical things that if we do not get beyond will end up destroying this country," West said, "is political correctness."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "The Meteoric Rise of Allen West" by Jessica Taylor, National Journal 2/12/11
On Saturday night, when the freshman lawmaker gives the closing keynote address at the Conservative Political Action Conference, it will cap an improbable journey. Three years ago, West was a first-time candidate trying to get a campaign off the ground and didn't even have a speaking slot at the annual CPAC gathering. This year, he's been rewarded with a prime slot usually reserved for presidential aspirants or major media commentators.
The fiery Republican made his first run for Congress in 2008 against Rep. Ron Klein, D-Fla. A retired Army lieutenant colonel, West boasted a military career that was lengthy but not without controversy. In 2003, West was charged by the military after threatening to kill and firing a handgun near the head of Iraqi police officer while interrogating him about attacks on U.S. forces in the area. But the investigation resulted in no court martial. The conservative media came to West's defense. But, facing a Democratic headwind and a much better funded opponent, West fell short by by 10 percentage points in his first political foray.
That was before the rise of the tea party. West began running again the next year, and he became a conservative internet celebrity after an October 2009 video of his barnburner of a speech at a Ft. Lauderdale tea party rally went viral, getting over two million hits after he told attendees to "stand up, to get your musket, to fix your bayonet and to charge into the ranks."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
America Turns Against Abortion on Demand
The liberal media is perplexed; they thought the November 2010 tidal wave election flooded D.C. and state legislatures with fiscal conservatives, but it's become clear that belief in Judeo-Christian values is the underlying theme of the American electorate.
For insight, read Christian Tea Party is Enigma to Liberal Media
For background on Planned Parenthood and abortion legislation, read Congress Faces Greatest Genocide in History, and also read Left Fears a Take-down of Planned Parenthood
-- From "Republicans Renew War on Women" by Bob Burnett, Huffington Post 2/11/11
The new Republican House majority [in Congress] had no sooner settled into their offices than they proposed savage restrictions of women's reproductive rights. Americans might question the GOP actions, since the new laws have nothing to do with Republican campaign promises to create jobs and reduce the Federal deficit. But it's consistent with their archconservative ideology, yet another brutal attack in the three-decades-old Republican war on women.
. . . And Republicans persist with their traditional values agenda.
Abortion and rejection of same-sex marriage are the most visible manifestations of the Republican traditional values agenda. They are the banners that herald a conservative world-view that is radically different from that of progressives. . . .
The Republican traditional values agenda is the bulwark of their three-decades-long war against women, an absolute repudiation of the notion of gender equality. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background on the arrest in Philadelphia, read Murders by Abortionist are Conservatives' Fault, Says Media
From "Foes seek to de-fund, discredit Planned Parenthood" by The Associated Press 2/13/11
A bill in Congress would strip the organization of federal family-planning grants and a series of covertly taped videos seek to depict some Planned Parenthood staff as willing to assist sex traffickers.
[Planned Parenthood's president, Cecile] Richards said Planned Parenthood, with a $1 billion annual budget, could survive the loss of the federal grants but would be forced to close some clinics and serve fewer people.
Planned Parenthood dates its beginnings to 1916 when Margaret Sanger, her sister and a friend opened America's first birth control clinic in Brooklyn.
While Planned Parenthood says it retains broad public support, some of its critics believe the tide of opinion is running against it.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "House Republicans see timely target in Planned Parenthood" by Kathleen Hennessey, Washington Bureau, Los Angeles Times 2/10/11
In their rush to slash the federal budget, House Republicans are taking aim at Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest provider of abortions, after a campaign season that largely ignored social issues.
The proposed spending cuts added momentum to a burgeoning feud over abortion in Congress. Buoyed by the arrival of dozens of new antiabortion Republicans, conservatives have introduced several bills that would further distance taxpayers from abortion.
In response to the new push, Democrats and their allies accused Republicans of mounting an attack on women's health and veering far from their promise of a laser-like focus on economic issues.
But the current climate, in which calls for fiscal discipline rule the day, presents a new opportunity for antiabortion Republicans who have long opposed Planned Parenthood's receipt of federal funds. Lawmakers said they planned to remain focused on cutting the budget while also moving forward on an issue of key importance to many members of their base.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Enough! Congress investigates defunding Planned Parenthood" by Drew Zahn © 2011 WorldNetDaily 2/11/11
Now Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., chair of the House Energy & Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – which in turn oversees federal grants to Planned Parenthood – is demanding action.
"We're going to bring Health and Human Services Secretary [Kathleen] Sebelius, put her under oath in the spring and ask her to explain what is she doing about these videos [exposing Planned Parenthood's alleged illegal activities]," Stearns said at a press conference yesterday. "And if she lies, then we're going to ask the attorney general to investigate her."
"Taxpayers are demanding to know how their money is being spent," Stearns continued in a statement, "and these videos answer how Planned Parenthood uses public dollars."
"Taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood is increasing, rising from $337 million in 2008 to $363.2 million in 2009," said Stearns. "We have a $14 trillion national debt while running a deficit this year of $1.5 trillion – Planned Parenthood is an egregious abuse of taxpayer funds.
"Not only does this organization provide about one in every five abortions in this nation," he continued, "its centers have also been caught violating state sexual assault and child abuse reporting laws, and it has encouraged young girls to lie about their ages to circumvent state reporting laws."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For insight, read Christian Tea Party is Enigma to Liberal Media
For background on Planned Parenthood and abortion legislation, read Congress Faces Greatest Genocide in History, and also read Left Fears a Take-down of Planned Parenthood
-- From "Republicans Renew War on Women" by Bob Burnett, Huffington Post 2/11/11
The new Republican House majority [in Congress] had no sooner settled into their offices than they proposed savage restrictions of women's reproductive rights. Americans might question the GOP actions, since the new laws have nothing to do with Republican campaign promises to create jobs and reduce the Federal deficit. But it's consistent with their archconservative ideology, yet another brutal attack in the three-decades-old Republican war on women.
. . . And Republicans persist with their traditional values agenda.
Abortion and rejection of same-sex marriage are the most visible manifestations of the Republican traditional values agenda. They are the banners that herald a conservative world-view that is radically different from that of progressives. . . .
The Republican traditional values agenda is the bulwark of their three-decades-long war against women, an absolute repudiation of the notion of gender equality. . . .
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
For background on the arrest in Philadelphia, read Murders by Abortionist are Conservatives' Fault, Says Media
From "Foes seek to de-fund, discredit Planned Parenthood" by The Associated Press 2/13/11
A bill in Congress would strip the organization of federal family-planning grants and a series of covertly taped videos seek to depict some Planned Parenthood staff as willing to assist sex traffickers.
[Planned Parenthood's president, Cecile] Richards said Planned Parenthood, with a $1 billion annual budget, could survive the loss of the federal grants but would be forced to close some clinics and serve fewer people.
Planned Parenthood dates its beginnings to 1916 when Margaret Sanger, her sister and a friend opened America's first birth control clinic in Brooklyn.
While Planned Parenthood says it retains broad public support, some of its critics believe the tide of opinion is running against it.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "House Republicans see timely target in Planned Parenthood" by Kathleen Hennessey, Washington Bureau, Los Angeles Times 2/10/11
In their rush to slash the federal budget, House Republicans are taking aim at Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest provider of abortions, after a campaign season that largely ignored social issues.
The proposed spending cuts added momentum to a burgeoning feud over abortion in Congress. Buoyed by the arrival of dozens of new antiabortion Republicans, conservatives have introduced several bills that would further distance taxpayers from abortion.
In response to the new push, Democrats and their allies accused Republicans of mounting an attack on women's health and veering far from their promise of a laser-like focus on economic issues.
But the current climate, in which calls for fiscal discipline rule the day, presents a new opportunity for antiabortion Republicans who have long opposed Planned Parenthood's receipt of federal funds. Lawmakers said they planned to remain focused on cutting the budget while also moving forward on an issue of key importance to many members of their base.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Enough! Congress investigates defunding Planned Parenthood" by Drew Zahn © 2011 WorldNetDaily 2/11/11
Now Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., chair of the House Energy & Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – which in turn oversees federal grants to Planned Parenthood – is demanding action.
"We're going to bring Health and Human Services Secretary [Kathleen] Sebelius, put her under oath in the spring and ask her to explain what is she doing about these videos [exposing Planned Parenthood's alleged illegal activities]," Stearns said at a press conference yesterday. "And if she lies, then we're going to ask the attorney general to investigate her."
"Taxpayers are demanding to know how their money is being spent," Stearns continued in a statement, "and these videos answer how Planned Parenthood uses public dollars."
"Taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood is increasing, rising from $337 million in 2008 to $363.2 million in 2009," said Stearns. "We have a $14 trillion national debt while running a deficit this year of $1.5 trillion – Planned Parenthood is an egregious abuse of taxpayer funds.
"Not only does this organization provide about one in every five abortions in this nation," he continued, "its centers have also been caught violating state sexual assault and child abuse reporting laws, and it has encouraged young girls to lie about their ages to circumvent state reporting laws."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Marriage Amendment Moving Ahead in Indiana
The Indiana legislature is poised to pass a bill as the first step to define marriage between one man and one woman in the state constitution.
UPDATE 3/31/11: Senate passes marriage amendment by 40-10 majority
UPDATE 2/18/11: Indiana House approves marriage amendment by vote of 70-26
-- From "House could vote on same-sex marriage amendment as early as Monday" by The Associated Press 2/12/11
An amendment banning gay marriage passed the General Assembly in 2005 when Republicans controlled the House and Senate, but constitutional amendments must go through two separate Legislatures [in two consecutive years] before being put to a public vote. Democrats won control of the House in 2006 and the proposal never cleared that chamber that year.
The proposal has a better shot of passing now that Republicans again control both chambers. If it clears the Legislature this year, it would have to pass again in 2013 or 2014 before getting on the ballot.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ind. State Committee Passes Gay Marriage Ban" by Stephanie Samuel, Christian Post Reporter 2/8/11
Pro-family lawmakers are trying again to take advantage of the Republican-controlled House to pass a gay marriage ban through the House and Senate again this year. If lawmakers are successful this year, it will likely be 2014 before a ban can be approved by voters.
Indiana is one of seven states trying to pass a constitutional amendment limiting marriage to a union between a man and a woman. Others states working on a gay marriage ban include Minnesota, Wyoming, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Iowa. Iowa's proposed marriage amendment has passed the state House. However, it failed to pass the state Senate in a rush vote.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay marriage ban set to include civil unions" by Heather Gillers, Indianapolis Star 2/11/11
It would add to the state constitution not only the marriage ban but also a ban on anything "substantially similar" to marriage.
Civil unions are not allowed in Indiana, and the ban on "substantially similar" arrangements would not change that.
Of about 30 states with constitutional bans on same-sex marriage, about 20 also have constitutional bans on civil unions.
Eric Turner, R-Marion, who authored the measure, said the language of the ban had been thoroughly reviewed by lawyers.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
UPDATE 3/31/11: Senate passes marriage amendment by 40-10 majority
UPDATE 2/18/11: Indiana House approves marriage amendment by vote of 70-26
-- From "House could vote on same-sex marriage amendment as early as Monday" by The Associated Press 2/12/11
An amendment banning gay marriage passed the General Assembly in 2005 when Republicans controlled the House and Senate, but constitutional amendments must go through two separate Legislatures [in two consecutive years] before being put to a public vote. Democrats won control of the House in 2006 and the proposal never cleared that chamber that year.
The proposal has a better shot of passing now that Republicans again control both chambers. If it clears the Legislature this year, it would have to pass again in 2013 or 2014 before getting on the ballot.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Ind. State Committee Passes Gay Marriage Ban" by Stephanie Samuel, Christian Post Reporter 2/8/11
Pro-family lawmakers are trying again to take advantage of the Republican-controlled House to pass a gay marriage ban through the House and Senate again this year. If lawmakers are successful this year, it will likely be 2014 before a ban can be approved by voters.
Indiana is one of seven states trying to pass a constitutional amendment limiting marriage to a union between a man and a woman. Others states working on a gay marriage ban include Minnesota, Wyoming, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Iowa. Iowa's proposed marriage amendment has passed the state House. However, it failed to pass the state Senate in a rush vote.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
From "Gay marriage ban set to include civil unions" by Heather Gillers, Indianapolis Star 2/11/11
It would add to the state constitution not only the marriage ban but also a ban on anything "substantially similar" to marriage.
Civil unions are not allowed in Indiana, and the ban on "substantially similar" arrangements would not change that.
Of about 30 states with constitutional bans on same-sex marriage, about 20 also have constitutional bans on civil unions.
Eric Turner, R-Marion, who authored the measure, said the language of the ban had been thoroughly reviewed by lawyers.
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
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